VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have been a reelected city council member in a different city. I have had experience with both strong mayor/city manager system and I am very proud to say I actually created solutions allowing the city to double it's income. Also fortunate to present a solution to provide a $1 million new water main at no cost to the citizens and actually bring fresh water to the village.

I believe that it is not about policy writing but rolling up your sleeves and doing the handwork to make everyone’s life better. That's why I think it's important for all running to step up now.

I am not currently asking for endorsements or accepting donations as I don't understand how you can help someone from losing their home and then providing them with a QR code.

A yard sign has never solved a problem.

If you feel the need to donate, find an amazing need in Lansing you feel passionate about.

Beautify your neighborhood or start a scholarship fund at Lansing Community College. Hope is contagious.

One of the issues currently is the unhoused pod campus and the delay that would be caused working with the state to permit any land as a campus.

Our solution is to team up with Lansing community college and MSU fast track process. There is potential of also using land that is already permitted to be a campus by those organizations and perhaps a land swap or other mechanism can be used.

The unhoused have a first need to get an ID and we have a presented a solution that will help remove the barriers of paperwork and manpower needed to assist those in need.

And bring Back 15 minute free parking downtown.

At multiple council meetings I have spoken on solutions in favor of eliminating Lansing's bathroom bill, for firemen getting the insurance they need, eliminating blight, transparency with the pod project, more code inspectors and solutions to eliminate drag racing.

The citizens are what we are here doing this for; there is no sense in holding a position unless we can make life better for all citizens; even ones that did not vote for us.

We are public servants and often we forget the server part but we are servant to our citizens.

I suspect low voter turnout is because citizens feel like they don’t have a voice. They feel that big money and endorsements outweigh their voice, and we have the opportunity to change that now and bring back the power to the citizens where it belongs.

One greatest thing we can do as public servants is give citizens hope.

I am the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers and a first-generation college graduate who went on to earn a Ph.D. in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy. Today, I am a professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Michigan State University, where I train the next generation of planners, builders, and designers. My research and teaching focuses on housing justice, equity, and building stronger communities. I currently serve on the Lansing School District Board of Education, where I have led efforts to make our district a welcoming place for all students. In this role, I’ve gained firsthand experience with governance, budgeting, and making policy decisions that impact families in our community. I am running for City Council because I want to make sure every resident has access to safe and stable housing, that our neighborhoods beyond downtown receive the investment they deserve, and that we build a city government rooted in transparency, accountability, and care.

One of the most pressing issues facing Lansing is housing. Too many residents struggle to find affordable, safe, and stable housing while rents continue to rise and homelessness increases. Lansing needs a comprehensive housing strategy that addresses immediate needs and builds long-term stability. I support expanding affordable housing through partnerships with non-profit and community developers, protecting tenants from displacement, and investing in housing rehabilitation so existing homes remain safe and livable. We must also expand supportive housing for residents who need wraparound services and ensure federal and state funds are used strategically to meet local needs. Alongside housing, we face challenges with public safety and neighborhood investment. I believe we must recruit and retain local police officers committed to community-driven policing while also funding youth programs, mental health services, and violence interruption strategies.

My engagement with the City of Lansing has been both professional and personal. I currently serve on the Lansing School District Board of Education, where I have worked to pass policies that protect and support our students, including ensuring that our district is a welcoming place for all families. In this role, I collaborate closely with city leaders on issues that overlap between education and community wellbeing. I also make it a priority to attend Lansing City Council meetings regularly in order to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that impact our neighborhoods. My commitment is rooted in showing up consistently.

Citizens play a vital role in the decision-making process by shaping priorities, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring policies reflect community needs. Local government works best when residents are active participants, whether by attending council meetings, serving on boards and commissions, voting, or organizing within their neighborhoods. As a councilmember, I would work to expand opportunities for engagement by making meetings and materials more accessible and ensuring diverse voices are included in decision-making spaces. Too often, the same few perspectives dominate the conversation. I believe we must intentionally reach out to underrepresented communities like renters, young people, working families, and immigrants so their experiences guide our policies. The role of citizens is not only to respond to proposals but to co-create solutions. My goal is to foster a culture of collaboration where residents feel empowered to shape the future of Lansing.